Is my Period Heavy?

Whether it’s a pair of white pants destined for the trash or unbearable cramps holding you hostage at home, heavy periods impact every woman differently. Here’s a helpful guide to help you decide if it’s time to chat with your doctor.

What are the signs of a heavy period?

REGULAR PERIOD

Your usual blood loss for each period is between 20-60 ml (about 4-12 teaspoons)

Bleeding occurs about every 24-31 days

Bleeding lasts 4-7 days

HEAVY PERIOD

Your bleeding lasts more than 7 days per cycle

Bleeding is so severe that a regular sanitary pad or tampon must be changed every 1-2 hours

Your period causes restriction of activities, or even stops you from working

You experience severe stomach cramping and loose bowel motions

You have missed days at work or spending time with friends and family due to heavy bleeding

Heavy period problems you shouldn’t ignore

PHYSICAL

Periods that last more than 7 days and are bothersome

Heavy bleeding that requires doubling up on sanitary protection or changing protection every 1-2 hours

Passing blood clots, the size of a quarter or larger

Stomach cramps

Fatigue or extreme tiredness

Anemia

Nausea

EMOTIONAL

Depression

Moodiness

Anxiety

Reduced confidence or self-esteem

SOCIAL

Missing out on sports, hobbies and activities

Feeling unable to carry out your daily routines

Needing to take days off work

Having your sex life impacted

*Online survey of 1,004 Canadian women who experience high menstrual bleeding during February 18. Funded by Hologic Inc.